Tallullah is an odd album in The Go Betweens narrative. Some of theur finestmoments, the love that was developing between Amanda Briwn and Grant McLennan but some odd missteps. An iver earnest attempts on Grant's part to achueve commercial success. Right Here and Cut It Out. Neither of them the hit single they craved but were fated never to realise. His other more literary ventyres drag. Elsewhere, his one gem on the record, Bye Bye Pride. One of the finest things he ever wrote. The essence of this wonderful band.
But really this was Robert's album. Gothic mastery. Tallulah, I Just Get Caught Out. Clarke Sisters, Spirit of the Vampire ,The House Jack Kerouac Built. He died his hair into a majestic auburn shoulder length mane in tribute to Dynasty's Blake Carrington. It was Cult stuff. But Cult of the most magnificent elan. The band moved onto their Pop Masterpiece 16 Lovers Lane.
Yes, Cut it Out is probably my least favourite Go-Betweens track. I wish they had. Still remember seeing them play Right Here on children's TV show, Hold Tight, and it being played on Radio 1 Breakfast Show... it didn't help... I think you are right about it being Robert's album, though, Bye Bye Pride notwithstanding. This was also the first tour I saw them live, so it holds a particular place in my heart.
ReplyDeleteIt was the second time I saw them. At The London Dominium Theatre. They were such a wonderful band. Great to see them being recognised as such these days. Much of that due to Robert's diligence. Tending to their flame.
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